Multi-purpose insulating and protective cover for containers

ABSTRACT

A unique one piece container cover ( 20 ) made from a single blank of flexible insulating material ( 36 ) and constructed so the tubular container cover ( 20 ) is closed at the bottom and open at the top with a flap ( 28 ) that when pulled over the enclosed container ( 39 ), integrally forms a complete seal ( 38 ) with the cover body ( 22 ) thus encapsulating the container ( 39 ) providing insulation to keep the container ( 39 ) contents either hot or cold while also protecting container ( 39 ) from outside contamination. The container cover ( 20 ) works with various sizes and shapes of bottles, containers or cans. The multipurpose cover ( 20 ) can be used without attachments for use in a bike cage, diaper bag, travel bag or the like. The cover ( 20 ) can also be fitted with various attachments for hiking, running, backpacking, golf, carrying baby bottles or the like. The cover ( 20 ) is efficient, cost effective, lightweight, durable, easy to use and clean, and can be produced in many colors with graphics.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates in general to insulators for beverage bottles andcontainers, and in particular to a multi-purpose insulator that isportable and which provides an insulating and sanitary encapsulation formany sizes and shapes of bottles, containers and cans.

2. Prior Art

Leading outdoor sports activities such as biking, hiking, running, golfand snow skiing are growing at a fast pace each year. The need for cleanliquid replenishment for these and other activities is essential for thehealth, performance and intellectual capacities of the athlete. Liquidreplenishment for sports activities is available in many forms. The twomost common forms are sports drinks that contain added ingredients suchas electrolytes and just plain water.

Three of the most common containers for these liquid replenishments aresports bottles, water bottles and sports drink bottles. These bottlesare made of various types of plastic. The two terms of water bottles andsports bottles are used interchangeably in the industry. However, forclarification within in the context of this document the terms will beused as described below.

Sports bottles are available at bike and sports shops without liquidrefreshment contained in the bottle. There are many sizes and shapes ofsports bottles. The smaller bottle generally contains between 20 to 23ounces of liquid depending on the manufacturer. The larger bottlegenerally contains between 26 to 29 ounces of liquid depending on themanufacturer. These sport bottles also have two different top sizes. Onesize top is generally known in the trade as the small mouth top. It hasan opening of approximately 1½ inches at the top of the body of thebottle where the cap affixes to the bottle. The second size top is knownin the trade as the large mouth top. It has an opening of approximately2⅛ inches at the top of the body of the bottle where the cap affixes tothe bottle. A large bottle may have either a small or a large mouth top.A small bottle may also have either a small or a large mouth top. Thereare also various types of valves located on top of the caps of sportsbottles from which the liquid is dispensed. When one squeezes the softsides of the bottle the liquid is forced from the bottle through thevalve for consumption. Some valves are plastic and some are rubber. Somevalves are large and round while some are oval. Some valves open easierthan others. Valves also differ in the volume of liquid that isdispensed. These are important factors because a substantial number ofathletes use a favorite sports bottle and valve so they need a cover tofit that bottle. Many bottle covers sold today are molded to fit onlythe bottles supplied with those covers so an athlete's favorite bottleusually does not fit.

Water bottles and sports drink bottles are those that are most commonlysold with the beverage already contained in the bottle. These bottlesare available in a variety of sizes including but not limited to 12 oz.,20 oz., 710 ml, one liter, and two liters. These bottles are usuallysold with threaded tops that are available with or without valves.

In addition to bottles for sport activities there is also a need tocover and protect bottles and other containers, such as cans, thatcontain refreshment for relaxation. These containers include, but arenot limited to, containers for juices, carbonated beverages, wine andbeer. These containers are made of plastic, glass, metal and othermaterials.

There are basic problems associated with all bottles and containers thatcontain liquid refreshment. One problem is that most containers are notinsulated, therefore the liquid inside the container easily gets hot orcold as the case may be. People outside in warm or hot weather such asbikers, runners, hikers and golfers want to keep their containercontents cold or at least cool. Many sports and health magazinesrecommend drinking cool water on hot days because it is more refreshingand is absorbed more quickly by the body. Conversely, people in coldweather such as skiers and hikers in the snow may want to keep theirbottle contents hot, warm or at least above freezing. Like hikers,mothers may want a container or baby bottle kept warm on some occasionsor kept cold or cool on other occasions.

Another problem with unprotected containers is contamination. Cans withopen and unprotected tops allow dirt and insects into the container foraccidental ingestion. Containers and bottles with unprotected valves atthe top of the bottle which one drinks from can get very dirty. Thisallows the valve and the contents of the container to be contaminated.There are documented cases of bikers becoming sick after drinking from abottle that had bacteria laden creek water splashed onto the valve ofthe bottle. Bacteria can also be transferred via dust from dry ground tobottle valves while biking, hiking and running. Golfers can getbacteria, fertilizer or pesticides on the bottle valve if they lay theirgolf bag down on the grass with an unprotected bottle valve attached.Runners, bikers and hikers have accidentally dropped their bottles increeks and mud, in which case the valve and the liquid in the bottle isno longer sanitary and drinkable. The liquid must then be discardedleaving the person in a potentially dangerous situation. If one is milesaway from an aid station in hot weather with no water, severedehydration can cause weakness, delirium and even death. When mountainbiking, one usually rides dirt trails in forests, mountains and pasturesthat animals also use. The result is that grit, dirt, bacteria and mudare kicked up by the knobby tires of the mountain bike and ends up onthe valve of the bottle. Drinking from an unprotected bottle under theseconditions is not only unpleasant to taste, but has led to stomachirritations and bacterial infections.

Another problem is that many sports people want a multi-functionalsports bottle cover. They need a single style of cover that will fittheir personal favorite sports bottle when biking, running, hiking,playing golf, and snow skiing. This cover and bottle also needs to fitin the holders in their car when driving to these activities so they canhydrate on the way to and from the activities.

Prior art describes a variety of attempts to try to overcome problemsassociated with the insulation of beverage containers. Some examplesshow container covers that insulate only the cylindrical recess or baseof the container. This leaves the top or a portion of the bottle orcontainer uncovered and thus unprotected from the ambient temperatureand outside contamination. Some of these examples are shown in U.S. Pat.No. 6,550,271 (2003) to Silbert, U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,993 (2002) toAndrino, U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,579 (2001) to DeLoach, U.S. Pat. No.6,029,847 (2000) to Mahoney, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,140 (2000)to Hicks, U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,995 (1985) to Curtis et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,316,193 (1994) to Heilberger and U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,464 (2001) toMamich. The Heilberger prior art is a product whereby the body of thebottle is insulated. However the insulation is inside the bottle, whichtakes up valuable space and reduces the amount of water you can carry inrelation to the size of the bottle. Also one has to use that particularbottle and valve, which again is not preferred. The Mamich prior art isbased on a self chilling wrap for bottle cooling which necessitateskeeping the cover wet. This method is not popular with most bicyclistsand especially golfers who need to keep their hands dry for their sport.The Hielberger product is made to keep the contents cool by reducing theelectromagnetic energy by the sun, but it does not address keeping abottle warm. In both the Heilberger and Mamich prior art, the valve isuncovered and subject to dirt and bacteria There are writings bybicyclists on web sites such as mtbr.com and bikefriday.com discussingthe critical need for clean valves on water bottles while bike riding.

Some prior art show bottle covers that apply to one use only and are notpractical for multiple uses. Prior art that pertains mainly toinsulating bottles for biking are U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,929 (2001) toBonard et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,285 (1995) to Kreitzman, and U.S.Pat. No. 5,007,566 (1991) to Fick. These are typical of other prior artshowing bottle cages on bicycles whereby the insulation is attached tothe bike and not to the bottle. When a biker stops to dismount the bikeand drink, as one does in many bike rides, the insulation is left on thebike and is not protecting the bottle. Thus the heat of one's hand andambient air will warm the liquid contents of the bottle more quicklythan if the bottle had the insulation still attached. Although Bonard etal. discusses the need for keeping the cap of the bottle clean, it doesnot entirely enclose the whole sports bottle, so insulation values wouldbe lost. The prior art also reveals the bottle would not be covered whentaken out of the device and would lose the insulation value. Theseapplications obviously would not be useful for other sports such ashiking, running, or snow skiing. Additional prior art that is designedfor biking are U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,160 (1993) to Faulds and U.S. Pat.No. 5,094,363 (1992) to Monahan et. al. Although these devices aretrying to solve biking hydration problems, they have objectionableissues. Neither accepts the standard sports bottle that is preferred bymost athletes, and both have parts such as a pivotally-mounted hood ordust cap that could jam or break.

Examples of prior art designed for baby bottle covers only are U.S. Pat.No. 4,473,907 (1984) to Maillard, U.S. Pat. No. 3,085,612 (1963) toGobel, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,706,034 (1927) to Moore. These examples arealso not practical for multiple uses.

Examples of prior art designed mainly for golf are U.S. Pat. No.3,844,459 (1974) to Chambers and U.S. Pat. No. 2,731,182 (1953) toHiggins. These applications are for specific sized containers only, andneither would apply to biking, running or hiking.

Examples of prior art that show whole containers to be covered but aredesigned mainly for cans are U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,399 (2005) to Reeves,U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,734 (1991) to Long, U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,627 (1980)to Christensen, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,023,922 (1959) to Arrington.Although these prior arts are fully enclosed, they will not fulfill theneeds for sports bottle covers for biking, running, hiking and babybottles. These prior arts also have multiple parts.

Other examples of prior art showing the whole container to be coveredare U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,252 (2004) to Murakami et al., U.S. Pat. No.6,349,846 to (2002) to Meza, U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,715 (2000) to Slonim,U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,796, (2000) to Mogil, U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,484 (1995)to Kawand et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,627 (1980) to Christensen.These prior arts cover the whole bottle, however they are made ofmultiple pieces which could get lost or do not possess the qualitiesneeded to work with all the enclosed applications of biking, running,golf, hiking and baby bottles. The Murakami et al. device would not workon a bike because it would not fit in the securing piece of a bike cage.It would also be too difficult to open the device and access a bottlewhile riding. The Slonim device is designed for portability while off ofa bicycle but is not large enough to cover the top of a sports bottle.U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,693 (2004) to Lassiter also covers a bottle but islimited to two-liter bottles.

Examples of prior art for bottles that use a refrigerant system are U.S.Pat. No. 6,584,800 (2003) to Roth et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,022(1991) to Snyder. Both of these devices contain a thermal energy storingmember or a core that fits inside the container. This core contains arefrigerant. In testing of the Roth et al. device, when inserting thestoring member there was a ⅛ loss of liquid volume. The Snyder devicewould probably lose the same amount of liquid volume. Anotherdisadvantage to this type of system is that once the refrigeranttemperature is equal to the temperature of the liquid of the container,it will not cool additional liquids when refilling the bottle. Anadditional problem is the refrigerant needs to be frozen to beeffective. When one is on a ride or a hike of more than one day and doesnot have access to a means for freezing the storing member or core forthe next day's ride, then this system is not effective. Anotherdisadvantage is the bottle valve or container top is not covered and issubject to dirt and bacteria contamination.

Thus, an examination of the art reveals that a need still exists asthere is no known one piece insulative and flexible cover for a beveragebottle or container with this new and unique flap seal that would fitflush with the cover body to totally encapsulate various styles andsizes of containers for insulation and sanitation, that is simple toproduce and use, and while also by simply altering the carrying style ofattachments, be adaptable to the needs of bikers, hikers, golfers,runners, snow skiers, parents with baby bottles and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention an insulating and protectingcover for bottles and containers comprises a single piece of neoprene orany suitable flexible and insulating material that is die cut into aflat blank with a unique configuration that makes up a cover body with aclosure flap. The outward edges and bottom of the body of the cover arethen sewn or otherwise joined together forming a mainly tubular bodyconfigured and dimensioned to be compatible with standard-sizedconventional sports bottles or beverage containers. However, it will beunderstood that the dimensions of the cover can be readily modified tobe compatibly sized for receiving substantially any shape and size ofbeverage container. The cover is closed at the top with an integrallyformed closing and locking flap that fits over the open, upper end ofthe body of the device which receives the bottle or container. Aresealable fastener on the underside of the flap cooperates with acomplementary mating fastener on the front of the insulating andprotective cover thereby locking the cover when the closure flap ispivoted about its fixed edge, thus closing the top opening of the cover.A unique and exact cut of the blank of material at the main body openingenables a flush fit sealing of the closed flap to the cover body therebyencapsulating and sealing the container inside the cover. Thisencapsulation enables the temperature of the beverage in the bottle toremain constant for a longer period of time than if any portion of thebottle were exposed. The encapsulation also protects the top of thecontainer, which may contain a valve or a constant opening, fromhazardous materials such as dirt and bacteria As the stretchable coverflap is pivoted over the top of the container and is pulled down to thefastening position, a dome is created on the cover by the top of thebottle or the valve. As tests have shown, this raised dome is beneficialwhen riding a bike through creeks or standing water. The dome of thecover top allows the water to properly drain off the top of the coverthereby preventing the water from coming in contact with the bottlevalve. Considering the normal position for riding a bike is that therider is seated above the bicycle's bottle cages, the cover also keepsthe rider's sweat from dripping onto the container valve or top that canmake the drink distasteful.

The bottle and container cover can be used without carrying attachmentsfor various uses such as when riding bicycles and motorcycles, drivingautomobiles or boats, traveling on airplanes, or for keeping sand orinsects out of one's beverage can at the beach. Various carryingattachments may also be used in concert with this container cover forother uses such as during hiking, running, golf, snow skiing, or forparents traveling with infants needing insulation and protection forbaby bottles and the like.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a new,novel and useful insulator cover with a unique flap seal thateffectively fits flush against the main body of the cover therebyproviding an insulative and sanitary encapsulation for beverages inbottles and containers.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a one piece insulatingcover whereby the top flap covering and encapsulating the bottle orcontainer can not get detached, lost or broken. A single piece cover isalso simple to manufacture and is cost effective.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a cover that isstretchable and flexible so one sized cover will conform to a variety ofsimilar sizes and shapes of bottles and containers. For example, oneversion tested fits the smaller sports bottle sizes of 20, 21 and 22ounces as well as sports drink bottles and soda bottles of 20 ounces.Another version tested fits larger sizes and shapes of sports bottlesizes of 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 ounces and also water bottle and sportsdrink bottle sizes of 710 ml. Another size tested fits all standard 12ounce metal cans. It is to be understood that the dimensions of theinvention can be easily and readily modified and be compatibly sized toreceive substantially any size and shape of bottle or container so as tonot limit the scope of the invention.

It is an important object of the invention to provide a bottle coverthat is user friendly. When used by a bicyclist the covered containerfits into standard bike cages. Two prior arts discuss the inability ofcages to easily receive a container with a neoprene cover, but testsshow this container and cover combination fits well as it enters andexits the bike cage easily. There is an extra benefit for harsh mountainbike riding as the metal bike cage can be bent inwardly making aslightly snug fit with the container. This snug fit keeps the bottlefrom falling out of the cage while the durability of the cover protectsthe bottle. Thus, a cyclist does not have to buy a special cage orattachment for use with this cover on one's bike. Also, while riding abike one does not need any complicated or unsafe maneuvering to open orclose the container cover as this can quickly be accomplished with onehand while the covered container is still in the bike cage. The cyclistwill also use normal movements to remove and replace the bottleinsulator cover from and to the bike cage.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bottle cover that islightweight, durable, dependable and easily cleaned. Cyclists, runnersand hikers go to great extremes and expense to keep their sportsequipment lightweight and sanitary so as to not hinder their efficiencywhile competing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cover that stays withthe bottle so the bottle or container will still be covered andprotected when the bicyclist, golfer or hiker is carrying the bottle andis away from their bike, golf cart or backpack.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means to keep the bottleor container contents in either a cold or cool state or in a hot or warmstate.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cover with a materialthat is visually distinguishable. The material is available in a varietyof colors and can have graphics added such as printing, silk screeningor the like. A distinguishable color of cover can be used for differentsporting events, different advertisers, different biking clubs andassociations wanting to advertise their clubs at races and functionswhere multiple clubs ride and the like. Another benefit is that retailstore owners can give printed bottle covers to customers for use asadvertisement and promotion of their stores.

Another main object of the invention is to provide an insulating coverthat can be used with multiple carrying attachments for variousramifications. For example runners could us a cover fitted with a handstrap and pocket for use while running. Also hikers would use straps andholders such as D rings and clips that are attached to the cover forattaching the bottle cover to backpacks, belt loops or the like. Golferswould use the same attachments for attaching the bottle cover to golfcarts. Snow skiers could use the same attachments or a sling or asimilar adjustable carrying mechanism to carry their hot beverage insidetheir bottle while in the cold. Another special need is met by thispresent invention by the attachment of a D ring, a clip or otherattachment at the bottom or base of the bottle cover as hikers and snowskiers in the severe cold need to carry their sports bottles upside downwith the valves at the bottom so the valves will not freeze. Parentswith children using baby bottles can use attachments to hang theinsulated baby bottle from a baby stroller or use a sling to carry ababy bottle on their person.

These and other objects, features and,advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon reading the followingspecification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an assembled beverage insulator inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,demonstrating the insulator flap in an open position ready for insertionof a beverage bottle.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the assembled beverage insulatorthat shows the stitching that seals the bottom of the insulator.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank of insulating material from which thebeverage insulator is fabricated, showing the unique cut which allowsthe flap and body of the insulator to encapsulate a bottle.

FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of the bottle insulatorcontaining a larger sports bottle demonstrating how a seal is formedafter folding over and locking down the insulator flap.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the beverage insulator containinga larger sports bottle showing the flap seal on both sides of theinsulator. This view also shows the protective dome that is formed inthe insulator cover by the bottle top or valve when the flap is foldedover and fastened.

FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the beverage insulatorcontainer with the insulator flap in the upright position exposing thetop of a larger sports bottle contained within the insulator.

FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of the beverage insulator withthe insulator flap folded back and down, illustrating the accessibilityof the larger sports bottle contained therein.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a beverageinsulator containing a larger sports bottle with an attached pocket withthe flap in the down and sealed position.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the second embodiment of abeverage insulator containing a larger sports bottle with an attachedpocket with the flap in the up position demonstrating the attaching andlocking means.

FIG. 10 is a back elevational view of the second embodiment of abeverage insulator containing a larger sports bottle with an attachedhand strap.

FIG. 11 is a back perspective view of the preferred embodiment of abeverage insulator containing a smaller sports bottle showing variousmeans for attachment to backpacks, golf carts and carrying around onesshoulder and body.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of motion stabilizer.

FIG. 13 is a back perspective view of the preferred embodiment of abeverage insulator containing a smaller sports bottle showing anattachment means and the motion stabilizer. DRAWINGS - REFERENCE NUMBERS20 Insulating and protective cover 22 Main body of cover 24 Seam ofcover 26 Stitching of cover seam 28 Elongated locking cover flap 30Interior cavity of cover 32 Cover flap fastener 33 Mating cover flapfastener 34 Unique cut of insulating material 36 Blank form ofinsulating material 38 Insulating cover and flap seal 39 Bottle,container or can 40 Dome in cover flap created by valve 42a Upper doubleindention by larger bottle 42b Lower double indention by larger bottle44 Container cap 46 Container cap valve 48 Insulated cover pocket 50Pocket flap in closed position 52 Pocket flap fastener 53 Pocket flapmating fastener 56 Stitching of pocket 57 Stitching of pocket flap 58Ventilated hand strap 59 Hand strap attachment means 60 Single indentioncaused by smaller bottle 62 Strapping material with loop for keeper 64Attachment means for strapping material 66 Keeper 68 Clip 70 Adjustablecarrying mechanism 72 Adjustment device 74 Motion Stabilizer 76 Hook andloop fastener 78 Elastic material 80 Tab 82 Stitching 84 Attachmentmeans for fastener to elastic

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show an empty preferredembodiment of the present invention of an insulative and protectivecover 20 in an assembled manner. FIG. 1 is a front elevational view ofthe cover 20 with main components being a main body 22, an elongatedlocking flap 28, an integral unique cut 34 of material, a cover flapfastener 32 on the underside of the flap 28 and a complementary matingcover flap fastener 33 on the front of the main body 22. The cover 20and locking flap 28 are constructed of a single piece of material. Themain body is joined at the seam 24 by stitching 26 or other attachmentmeans such as gluing or heat melting. After stitching 26 of the seam 24,the main body 22 becomes an elongated tubular body with an open top andan interior cavity 30 which is formed and sized to receive a bottle,container 39 or a can as shown in FIG. 6. Fasteners 32 and 33 are shownattached to the flap 28 and cover body 22 respectively by means of glue,however other means of attaching the fasteners are available such asstitching and the like. Fasteners 32 and 33 are preferably of the hookand loop material, however other fastening means can be used such asbutton and string, brads, snaps and the like.

FIG. 2 shows the stitching 26 of the cover 20 that permanently enclosesthe side and bottom of the main body 22.

FIG. 3 shows the depicted shape of the single blank form 36 of flexibleinsulating material from which the cover 20 is constructed. The blank 36is formed from of a material such as neoprene, however any suitableflexible insulating material may be used. A benefit of neoprene is thismaterial has a textile fabric covering with a vast range of colorselections for construction of the cover 20. This is beneficial as theinsulating covers 20 can be fabricated in different colors for differentneeds or wants of a customer. For example a biker may wish a cover 20 bemade of the color yellow for use with ones bike water bottle, or ahunter may wish to use a camouflage colored cover 20 while hunting. Thisflexible material also provides a contour fitting or conforming shape ofthe cover 20 to the encapsulated container 39 as shown in FIGS. 4-9 and11. This conforming shape thereby ensures a snug fit that eliminatesthermally conductive gaps between the container 39 and cover 20 thatenhances the insulating capacity of the cover 20. Another benefit ofthis material is its flexibility in concert with the unique constructionof the cover 20 so containers 39 of similar sizes and styles will fit inthe same sized cover 20. This flexibility of the cover 20 also providesa snug fit of the container 39 in relation to the cover 20 therebykeeping the container 39 frictionally enclosed and stable within thecover 20.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that because of thesingle piece of blank form 36 in the construction of the cover 20, onlyone seam is created on the tubular portion of the main body 22, therebyenabling more uninterrupted graphics to be printed on the exteriorsurface of the cover 20. As will be understood, insulated covers of thistype usually carry distinctive promotional graphics on the exteriorsurface and, hence, this feature of the present cover 20 providessubstantially greater flexibility and variety in the size, type andarrangements of graphics which can be placed on the cover 20.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views of the main embodiment of the cover 20 showing afit flush seal 38 of the cover 20 and flap 28 over the enclosedcontainer 39. After the container 39 is inserted into the interiorcavity 30 of the cover 20, the flap 28 folds over the top of thecontainer 39 at the open, upper end of main body 22 and down the frontof the main body 22 to where a cover flap fastener 32 on the undersideof the flap 28 engages a complementary mating cover flap fastener 33 onthe front of main body 22. The predetermined, novel and precise shape ofthe unique cut 34 allows the flap 28 to seal 38 with the body 22 of thecover 20, thereby encapsulating the container 39 therein. This seal 38begins with the fold of the flap 28 against the main body 22 of thecover 20 and continues around the balance of the opening of the top ofthe cover 20 thus completing the seal 38. This encapsulation protectsthe container 39 from ambient air, rays of the sun and outsidecontaminates. Tests have shown this unique cut 34 sealing of the cover20 performs well with various containers such as existing sportsbottles, sports drink bottles, water bottles, baby bottles, cans and thelike.

A main requirement is the exact placement of the fasteners 32 and 33 sothe joining of the fasteners 32 and 33 will align the flap 28 to themain body 22 so as to equally seal 34 the flap 28 to the main body 22 onboth sides of the cover 20 as shown in FIG. 5. With this alignment,while riding a bike, one can replace the cover 20 containing thecontainer 39 into a bike cage after drinking and reseal the flap 28 tothe main body 22 by attaching the fasteners 32 and 33 by touch so onedoes not have to look down and take ones eyes off the road.

As the flap 28 is pulled down over the container 39 a dome 40 is createdby the stretching of the flap 28 material over the top of the container39. This dome 40 is beneficial as it aids in the dispersant ofpotentially harmful liquids such as bacteria laden creek water splashingon the flap 28. FIGS. 4 and 5 also show the conforming qualities of thisinvention as to the relationship of the flexible material used for thecover 20 and the shape of the containers 39 used therein. The doubleindention of 42 a and 42 b on the cover 20 indicates a larger sportsbottle contained therein which has the same indentions. These indentions42 a and 42 b being reproduced in the cover 20 are beneficial as one cangrasp the container 39 in the same manner as usual for consumption. Abiker needs these indentions 42 a and 42 b to grasp and retrieve thebottle from the cage on a bike as the cage usually holds a firm grip onthe bottle for safety.

FIG. 6 reveals the general location of the container valve 46 inrelation to the cover 20 opening at the unique cut 34. The valve 46 sitson top of the container cap 44. A benefit of this location of the valve46 is that when the flap 28 is closed, the dome 40 protects the open orclosed valve 46 of a container 39 contained in the cover 20. When ridinga bike, the normal beverage bottle for use in the sport has a valve 46on the top of the bottle cap 44 from which the beverage is dispersed.Bikers traditionally retrieve the bottles from the bike bottle cageswith their hand and open the valve 46 with their teeth. However,sometimes these valves get very sticky and obstinate and do not openeasily. The benefit of using the cover 20 with one's bottle is that thebiker would not have to close or open the valve 46 with one's teeth. Thebottle could be put back in the bike cage with the valve 46 open, thenengage the flap 28 with the cover flap fastener 32 and mating cover flapfastener 33, and the dome 40 would cover and protect the valve 46.

The unique cut 34 of the insulating material also allows the flap 28 tofold down and back as shown in FIG. 7 and stay in this open positionwithout the aid of one's hand or other attachment means. In thisposition one can drink from the container 39 often without changing theflap 28 from the closed to the open position. This also provides easyaccess to the container 39 and the container cap 44 for refilling thecontainer 39 without taking the container 39 out of the insulative cover20.

In a second embodiment of the cover, FIG. 8 reveals an insulated coverpocket 48 on the front side of cover 20 with the pocket flap 50 in theclosed and sealed position. The material for this pocket 48 and flap 50is of the same type of waterproof material used for the cover 20, asthis embodiment will be used mainly by runners. When running longdistances runners keep necessities such as energy pills and powders thatmust not get wet in pockets and pouches of this type. A fastening meanssuch as stitching 56 attaches the pocket 48 to the cover 20. In the sameembodiment FIG. 9 shows the pocket flap 50 in the open position. Afastening means such as stitching 57 attaches the flap 50 to the cover20. The preferred method of stitching 57 the pocket flap 50 to the cover20 is from the inside of the flap 50 as shown. By this method, thepocket flap 50 will naturally stay open while one is retrieving thecontents of the pocket 48 and will not fall down and be resealed beforedesired. The fastening means for the pocket flap 50 to the cover pocket48 is a pocket flap fastener 52 on the underside of the pocket flap 50,which engages a complementary mating pocket flap fastener 53 on thefront of the pocket 48. This is the same type material used for the 32and 33 fasteners in FIG. 2.

Also a part of the second embodiment, FIG. 10 teaches a ventilated handstrap 58 shown on the back of the cover 20. This strap 58 aids therunner in holding onto the beverage bottle in the cover 20 with littleeffort while running. Another much needed benefit of this embodiment isthat the runners hand will have the container cover between their handand the usually cold container. Many runners hand carry their waterbottle while they run as it reminds them to drink more often and is moreconvenient. Before they start a run, and at interval race aid stations,runners fill their bottles with ice and water. However, the runner'shand gets cold while holding the bottle while the beverage gets hot.This device will provide insulation between the runner's hand and thebeverage bottle, provide a strap for ease of carry and provide awaterproof pocket for essentials. The hand strap 58 is preferably madeof ventilated nylon or the like to help reduce the runners' hand fromgetting hot and sweaty while running. Stitching 59 is the chosen methodof attachment of the hand strap 58 to the cover 20, although other meansmay be used.

The third embodiment FIG. 11 shows various carrying means for the cover20 and its contents. These carrying means or attachments fit a cover 20containing virtually any sized container. The single indention 60 of thecover denotes a smaller sports bottle is contained within the cover. Astrapping material 62 with a loop at each end is attached to the cover20 at both ends of the strapping 62 by means of stitching 64. The loops'purpose is for attachment of a keeper 66, which is preferably a D-ring,but could be an O-ring, triangle, DR or other suitable attachment means.A clip 68 can be attached to the keeper 66 at one end of the strapping62 or both. An adjustable carrying mechanism 70, such as a strap withkeepers 66 and clips 68 can be attached to the cover 20. The clip 68 maybe a standard snap hook, swivel hook, retainer, bolt snap, carabiner orany other similar retention mechanism. An adjustment device 72 such as aslide, cam buckle, straplock or loop may be used to adjust the length ofthe carrying mechanism 70. This embodiment may be used by anyone simplyby changing out attachments. If used by a hiker the cover 20, when usedin concert with the strapping material 62 and keeper 66, may be attachedto a backpack with the clip 68. To keep the cover 20 and enclosedcontainer 39 from swinging about while walking, a motion stabilizer 74can be added as shown in FIG. 12. The stabilizer 74 is manufactured froman open ended piece of hook and loop material 76 which is attached 84 bymeans of sewing, grommet or the like to a strip of elastic material 78.The elastic 78 is sized to snugly fit around the cover 20 with anenclosed container 39. The elastic 78 is stitched 82 at the end so as toform a tab 80. FIG. 13 shows the motion stabilizer 74 in an attachedposition on the cover 20. The tab 80 is needed to pull the elastic 78off of the cover 20 if one is wearing thick gloves. The hook and loopmaterial 76 can be looped around and attached to each other on thebackpack at the lower end of the shoulder strap or on the hipbelt whichwill stabilize the container 20 and its contents. The pocket, handstrap, motion stabilizer and carrying mechanisms are preferred features,but they are not necessary to the invention in its broadest sense.

Active tests have been conducted on the container cover 20 using 25ounce bottles and indicate that its unique design as disclosed hereinkeeps the water contents of a pre-chilled 25 ounce container clean andchilled beyond expectations. The first test was a three hour mountainbike ride through unpaved trails of dirt, mud and creek water withambient temperatures of 95 degrees. This test involved carrying twocontainers 39, both containing a valve 46 to dispense the water. Onecontainer was encapsulated by a cover 20 as disclosed herein and onecontainer 39 had no protection. At the start of the test both containerswere filled with 22 ounces of water of the same temperature. After 45minutes of testing, the encapsulated container was still clean and dry,and the water inside was cold. However, the unprotected container 39 wasdirty and wet and the water inside was warm and declared undrinkablebecause of the dirty container valve 46. At the end of the three hourtest, the encapsulated container was still clean and dry and thebeverage was cool, while the unprotected container 39 was dirtier andwet, and the beverage inside was hot and still undrinkable. A secondactive test was conducted on paved neighborhood streets with containersin bike cages and traveling at speeds of 15 to 19 miles per hour, atambient temperatures of 98 degrees. The second test also involvedcarrying two containers 39, both containing 22 ounces of water with oneencapsulated by a cover 20 as disclosed herein, and the otherunprotected. This second test had two parts. Test (a) involved thecontents of each container 39 being frozen at the start of the test. Theambient temperature was 90 to 95 degrees. Test (b) involved thecontainer 39 contents starting at 44 degrees. Thermometers were insertedinto the containers 39 before chilling so as to record the testaccurately. The temperature of the water was recorded at intervals withthe following results: Recorded Temperature of the Water (° F.) Timeperiod Start 30 min. 60 min. 90 min. 120 min. Test (a), ambient air 95°F. Bottle with Frozen Half frozen 51° F. 59° F. 73° F. cover 20 Bottlewithout Frozen 53° F. 78° F. 86° F. 92° F. cover 20 Test (b), ambientair 98° F. Bottle with 46° F. 54° F. 67° F. 77° F. 83° F. cover 20Bottle without 46° F. 68° F. 89° F. 96° F. 96° F. cover 20

As shown by these active tests results, on a moving vehicle theinsulating cover 20 keeps an encapsulated bottle and the water containedtherein 25 to 35 per cent cooler for one hour and 13 to 20 per centcooler for two hours over the same type of bottle which is uncovered.Since sponsored bike rides such as the MS 150 have rest areasapproximately every 10 miles, a rider can get fresh cold water for one'scontainer about every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the speed of thebiker. But on non-sponsored rides such as individual training, a bikercan be riding for many hours with no way of refilling one's bottles, sohaving a means to keep ones water bottles cool for an extended time iscritical for training and health.

While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but asexemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Manyother ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings ofthe invention. For example, the cover may be various sizes in width andlength to fit numerous sizes of containers whether they are cylindrical,square or other shapes. The container need not be contained for reasonsof temperature, but instead for safety as in carrying a glass bottle toavoid breakage. The fasteners may be of any shape. The attachments maybe of any multitude of fasteners and could be either plastic or metal.The motion stabilizer may be as shown or could be as simple as anelastic cord.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

1. A multi-purpose insulating and protective cover for beveragecontainers, bottles and cans formed of a single blank of flexibleinsulating material, said cover comprising: a) a single blank forforming said cover comprising a generally planar web of said insulatingmaterial including a main elongated rectangular body portion defined byand contiguous with opposed top edges and bottom edges and opposedlengthwise edges of a length sufficient to encircle the beveragecontainer when the end edges are abutted with one another, and saidbottom edge of predetermined serially cut angles or similarconfiguration which would effectively enclose said bottom and with saidtop edge comprising identically configured unique and novelpredetermined arcuate edges being final and contiguous to an elongatedlocking cover flap, b) wherein as the bottom angles of the cover blankare abutted and attached with one another and said lengthwise edges areabutted and attached with one another form a tubular receptacle definingan interior area of a shape and dimension for receiving said beveragecontainer though an upper opening formed of the top arcuate edges andcontiguous said cover flap, c) said cover flap secured to said main bodyof said cover for pivotal movement relative hereto, said flap includingan inner face and an outer face, d) at least one fastener with apredetermined position attached to said inner face of said cover flap,e) at least one mating fastener with a predetermined position attachedto front of said cover to receive said cover flap fastener, f) the coverflap being pivoted relative to said main body cover bringing said coverflap over and across the top of said bottle, container or can to bringsaid fasteners into engagement to cover and encapsulate said bottle,container or can inside said cover.
 2. A blank according to claim 1wherein said blank is formed of a unitary planar web of flexibleinsulative material.
 3. A blank according to claim 2 wherein saidmaterial comprises a foamed synthetic material.
 4. A cover according toclaim 1 wherein said flexible material allows said cover to accommodatecontainers, bottles and cans of close dimensions.
 5. A cover accordingto claim 1 wherein said flexible material allows for graphics.
 6. Acover according to claim 1 wherein attachment means for said edges andsaid fasteners is stitching, heat welding, ultrasonic welding,adhesives, and hook-and-loop fasteners.
 7. A cover according to claim 1further including a front pocket having a complementary pocket flap bothbeing formed of flexible insulating material, and having attachmentmeans for securing the pocket and flap to said cover, with said flapincluding an inner face and an outer face with at least one fastener ina predetermined position secured to said inner face of said pocket flapand at least one mating fastener on outer face of pocket to securepocket and flap.
 8. A cover pocket of claim 7 wherein attachment meansof said pocket, flap and fasteners are of stitching, heat weldingultrasonic welding or adhesives.
 9. A cover pocket according to claim 8wherein the pocket and flap have an area for graphics.
 10. A coveraccording to claim 1 further including a ventilated hand strap formed ofa flexible synthetic mesh material, attached to the back of said coverby attachment means.
 11. The cover of claim 10 wherein attachment meansof said strap is of stitching, heat welding, ultrasonic welding oradhesives.
 12. The cover of claim 1, further including securing meanscomprising a strip of strapping material attached to one side of saidcover, with the strip containing an upper and lower loop, with each loophaving an attached keeper and attachment means, and a carrying straphaving a loop at each end with each loop having an attached keeper andclip.
 13. The cover of claim 12, wherein the upper and lower loopcontains a keeper such as a D-shaped ring, O-ring, triangle or otherattachment means.
 14. The cover of claim 13 wherein the keeper for theupper loop contains an attachment means such as a standard snap hook,swivel hook, retainer, bolt snap, carabiner or other similar attachmentmeans for retention.
 15. The cover of claim 14 wherein the carryingstrap contains a loop on each end with a keeper.
 16. The cover of claim15 wherein the carrying strap is adjustable for adjusting the length ofthe strap.
 17. The cover of claim 16 wherein the carrying strap may beattached or detached from the cover.